life is - a poem

I have no doubt that life is beautiful.

But sometimes I wonder

if its beauty is like a well-angled photograph that cuts out the distractions and other elements 

Sometimes I wonder 

If we tell ourselves 

“Suffering gives life beauty and meaning”

Because we want to believe it 

But what if the happiest moments 

Were those of a blissfully simple child 

Unmarred by evil 

Enraptured by bubbles

Ignorant of philosophy 

I get it

We want holistic lives 

We want it all to mean something 

Or to contribute 

But is it like seeing a photograph 

With an accidental trash can

And convincing ourselves

The photographer meant for it to be? 

Perspective is a choice 

So choose the bright side

But is that choosing 

To downplay,

Or ignore, 

Or justify

The worst of the worst? 

Or is it just as true 

That life is ugly

And beautiful too